Chemistry of Life Flashcards
What are atoms?
- Smallest ‘whole’ building block
- Contains protons, electrons and neutrons
Analogy for atoms and elements
If atoms are dogs, elements are the breed of dogs.
What are ions?
- also called electrolytes
- they are charged atoms
- Cations & anions
Importance of bonds?
- enable bodies to build molecules
- enable bodies to store energy (anabolic)
- enable bodies to release energy when required (catabolic)
What can impact a chemical reaction?
- Enzymes (catalyst)
- Temp = kinetic energy
- Concentration = rate of diffusion
- Particle size - faster the movement
What are macromolecules?
- Complex structures of chemically bonded atoms.
- can combine to form more complex structures
What are the 4 main macromolecules in the human body?
- Carbohydrates - sugars
- Lipids - fats
- Nucleic acid - genetic material
- Proteins - amino acids
What does DNA do?
- contains code for synthesis of all proteins
- is controls the specific protein called a gene
- non-dividing cells nucleus is filled with chromatin composed of DNA & Proteins.
What are chromosomes?
- Chromosomes are condensed chromatin.
- Somatic cells = 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs.
Enzymes are proteins that act as?
Catalysts! They accelerate the chemical reaction.
What is protein denaturation?
Hydrogen bonds can be easily broken by chemical, pH & temp changes. The protein unfolds known as denaturation.
pH scale?
1 (acid) - 14 (alkaline)
- measures the H+ concentration.
- Blood 7.35-7.45
Buffer equation?
H2CO3 HCO- + H+
What is the concentration gradient?
Exists when there is a difference in concentration between two points (inside and outside of the cell)
What is Diffusion?
- Random movement of particles/solutes due to kinetic energy.
- Particles only move from area of high
concentration to area of low concentration.
